Quote Originally Posted by shsims
Ok I'm a rookie here and I am going to be buying my first kilt. I am trying to get a good kilt at a fair price. (Maybe even a whole outfit if the price is right and I can make payments). I will take any advice that you can give me. thanks

If you are looking to get a whole outfit, check out www.kiltstore.net (link at the top of this page). They provide a 10% discount to X marks members. I would also strongly suggest www.scottishkilts.net I have a handsewn 8 yard kilt, a argyle jacket, and waistcoat from them and I could not be happier.

Both vendors offer a wide variety of kilts (5 yard casual, 8 yard machine sewn, 8 yard handsewn) at a very reasonable price. You can easily get an entire outfit for a good price.

I have several Bear kilts, a Canada Kilt (very much like a Stillwater standard), and a traditional wool kilt from scottishkilts. Personally I would suggest getting a traditional kilt to start with. A 5 yard casual will have the look and feel of a traditional Scottish kilt but will be very versatile. In that same thought process M.A.C Newsome (a member here) sells 4 yard box pleated kilts.

If you are looking to ease yourself into kilt wearing with a cheaper kilt that can still do dressy and casual, have a look at the Stillwater heavyweights www.stillwaterkilts.com or the semi-formals from USA Kilts www.usakilts.com. Both will fit like a traditional kilt and do you proudly. Bear kilts offers a traditional style kilt in both Poly/viscose and wool but they are hiving some issues right now.

I would suggest staying away from a contemporary style solid colour kilt to start with (UK, FK, etc). While these are great casual kilts, it is hard to make them look dressy (IMHO). I tartan kilt will give you more versatility for your first kilt. The solid casuals will make a great second or third kilt. I know others will disagree with me here, but I have not seem any solid colour utility style kilts that look as good dressed up as a trartan kilt. However, for booting around town and doing day to day activities the new style kilts are awesome and very well recommended. www.utilikilts.com , www.freedomkilts.com , www.rkilts.com

I guess what it all comes down to is what you are looking for in a kilt. Hope this helps.